The Open Window
The Open Window
The Open Window final.jpg
POINT OF VIEW
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Point of view is the vantage point from which a story is told. Writers often use third-person point of view to write both fiction and non-fiction stories. Third-person point of view use personal pronouns such as he, she, it and they. This allows writers to tell the story from someone else s point of view They tell the story as if they were observing the story and not taking part in it. Saki uses their person point of view in The Open Window. Saki, the writer is not a part of the story; he brings readers into the house and lets them know all about the characters thoughts and actions.

From the text:
Framton Nuttel endeavoured to say the correct something which should duly flatter the niece of the moment without unduly discounting the aunt that was to come. Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits on a succession of total strangers would do much towards helping the nerve cure which he was supposed to be undergoing.

If Saki had told the story only from the nieces point of view, for example, he he could hot have shard the other characters thoughts with the reader.


Usually a short tory writer wants the reader to understand the story character's point of view. The writer plainly describes how the characters think and feel. However, there are times when the writer wants to keep the reader quessing. Consider this as you read the following passage from "The Open Window". Here, Mr. Framton Nuttel has just met the niece of a womon whom he is paying a vist.

From the Text:"Then you know practically nothing about my aunt?' pursued the self possed youn lady. Only her name and address," admitted the caller.... Her great tradedy happened just three years ago," said the child...."Out through that window, three years ago to the day, her husband and her two young brothers went off for their day's shooting. They never came back.'

Can you imagine what Mr. Nuttel must be thinking? Do you know what the niece is thingking? Can you guess?Notice that the story continues after Mr. Nuttel runs away. Since he is not telling the story, Saki can tell the reader what happens after he leaves.

This story is told from the third person omniscient. Find quotes from the story that support that this is third person omniscient.


Example: Privately he doubted more than ever whether these formal visits . . . would do much (817)